In my mid-40s, I came to a profound realization: I had developed an addiction to toxic people. This awareness marked the beginning of a transformative healing journey, one that started within the walls of a homeless shelter for women and their children. This shelter primarily focused on supporting women struggling with substance abuse, yet it became a crucial sanctuary for me as well. With the guidance of a compassionate therapist, I began to adapt the twelve-step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to my unique situation. This adaptation was instrumental in helping me understand why I had consistently surrounded myself with toxic individuals and why I often found myself in circumstances that prioritized the well-being of others while dismantling everything I had worked so hard to achieve.

My journey reached a pivotal moment when I hit "Rock Bottom," as the saying goes. I found myself homeless, without financial resources, and determined not to repeat the same destructive patterns. It was at this point that I realized I needed to rebuild my life in a way that prevented me from falling back into those familiar, damaging cycles.

Radical acceptance became my guiding principle—acceptance of my situation, acceptance of my addiction, and acceptance of the necessity for change. This acceptance was not just a choice; it was mandatory for my survival and growth. Through this process, I have learned to embrace the power of resilience and self-awareness, and I am committed to sharing my insights to help others navigate their own journeys of healing and self-discovery.